Social empowerment initiatives usually target marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals, so that they can break free from cycles of oppression and discrimination. By increasing an individual’s societal participation, they can have access to resources and the ability to make meaningful decisions that affect one’s life. It is PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda’s pride and joy to enable this with its “Empowerment Of Communities Based On Peatland Conservation In Paya Nie” project which was also a winner of the Social Empowerment category. The award ceremony was presented by the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2024 and organized by leading regional NGO, Enterprise Asia.
The “Empowerment Of Communities Based On Peatland Conservation In Paya Nie” project, also known as “Paya Nie Lestari Berdaya”, is a community empowerment program located in Blang Mee, Bireuen district, Aceh Province.
This program was initiated from the problem of peatland degradation due to land conversion, and lack of community awareness to protect the land. The program’s goal is to improve the local economy through peatland conservation activities. The mission of the program is to create sustainable economically independent communities by making the best use of peatland conservation.
The project has 3 sub-programs: the utilization of purun plants for woven crafts (Petarung Epik), the cultivation of snakehead fish (GABUS), and the development of an education-based tourism village, Ekoduwisata Paya Nie.
As a part of its achievements, “Paya Nie Lestari Berdaya” has reached more than 100+ direct beneficiaries and 1600+ indirect beneficiaries. Besides that, empowerment through Petarung Epik has enabled a total of 1500+ woven goods since 2022. There have also been more than 10 events in Ekoduwisata Paya Nie which has been able to generate a collective income of around IDR 10.000.000 per event for local communities. The local communities also received IDR 3.400.000 from renting homestays in the Paya Nie Edutourism area.
“Paya Nie Lestari Berdaya” has future plans to make the program self-managed by the local communities. PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda’s green living innovations can be developed into a wider market, such as plant products in the ecotourism area that are not only consumed by the locals but can be sold to the market whereas the snakehead fish cultivation products that can be made as albumin.
Last but not least, this project for peatland conservation through empowerment can be replicated in other villages around the Paya Nie swamp. Hence, when all villages implement it, the Paya Nie area can become a pilot area for peatland conservation.
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.
About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.